THE FAITHHAUS BLOG

Join us as we explore the avenues of faith—whatever gets us thinking and talking. Discover practical tips and seasonal topics, favorite things and religious traditions. Learn more about the people and ideas that lift our spirits, encourage us to ponder and sometimes simply make us smile.

It only happens twice a year. The equator moves across the sun with no tilt to the earth giving us equal amounts of day and night. This celestial event has been marked since the beginning of man in nearly every culture and faith especially Wiccan, Pagen, Celtic, Druid and Native American – and Mabon is perhaps the most recognized of the Autumnal Equinox celebrations.

Mabon is also known as The Harvest Festival and-similar to Thanksgiving-is about reaping what you sow and showing gratitude for it. It naturally happens, when most parts of the US, are experiencing cooler temps, changing leaves and an overall cozier energy – bringing people and nature together. The Mabon celebration usually involves creating an altar of colourful leaves and cornucopias, asking for blessings, visiting the grave site of loved ones and placing an apple on the marker, praying for peace, as well as feasting on autumnal fruits and veggies. We love the idea of making a crown of leaves like the one seen here on the cow from @enchantedfarmsanctuary

Take advantage of this special time of the calendar and throw an Autumnal Equinox Party! Mix in some Mabon traditions with the Fall theme and you’ll have a relaxed, yet festive fete.

This year, the Equinox falls of September 22 – making it perfect for an after-work gathering of food, fall décor and friends. Here's a few ideas on adding a little Autumn vibe to your space...

WREATHS

Hang a gorgeous wreath (like ones from below, $75) on the front door and keep the interior décor full of warm colours and lighting by stocking up on beeswax candles and drop them inside the cut-out center of mini pumpkins and scatter all around the event space.

CANDLES

DIY MINI PUMPKIN TEALIGHT HOLDERS

INCENSE

Burning incense is also a great way to incorporate Mabon traditions and set the mood. Try earthy scents with sandalwood like Age of Earth's Caron incense cones which are said to cleanse negative energy with clove, tobacco and blue spruce.

Pandora a playlist with key words including Stevie Nicks, Tori Amos and Vanessa Carlton – all thought to be or admittedly practicing Pagan – and you’ve got a mysterious mood to welcome your guests.

DRINK

Next, we think it’s just fine that wine, ale and cider are the traditional drinks of Mabon, because we love them all! Craft ciders naturally fit the bill with their apple and harvest themes and easily add to your décor. Pick up an Angry Orchard Sampler, a 6-pack of Harpoon Pumpkin Cider, some cans of Ciderboys Magic Apple and Fever Tree Ginger Beer for a non-alcoholic option. Toss them all in a big bucket full of ice, ask your guests to bring their favourite wine or beer and you’ll be set on Mabon-esque refreshments!